Late Results After PTCA for Coronary Stenosis After the Arterial Switch Procedure for Transposition of the Great Arteries

Background The arterial switch operation has become the surgical approach of choice for d-transposition of the great arteries, but there is an increased awareness of adverse sequelae in some survivors. Long-term patency and normal function of the translocated coronary arteries must be achieved. It is reported that dependent of the prior coronary status, 3% to 11% of all survivors have proximal coronary stenosis or complete occlusion develop after arterial switch operations. However, treatment of these stenoses is still a matter of debate. Late results after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) for coronary stenosis after the arterial switch operation for d-transposition of the great arteries are reported. Methods Seven children after arterial switch operation for d-transposition of the great arteries who had subsequently undergone PTCA for coronary stenosis were angiographically re-evaluated 3 to 15 months after the initial PTCA and again after 3 to 5 years. Results All children survived the initial PTCA procedure. There were no late deaths. The degree of stenosis before PTCA ranged from 74% to 97%; immediately after PTCA from 5% to 10%; at 3 to 15 months after PTCA from zero to 6%; and at 3 to 5 years after PTCA from zero to 3%. Three to 5 years after PTCA all children showed normal development of the treated coronary artery. Conclusions Primary PTCA of stenotic proximal coronary arteries after the arterial switch procedure for d-transposition of the great arteries seems to be an effective treatment with excellent long-term results.